God’s Word is a source of joy. If Bible teachers lack that joy, their teaching will be missing the effects of joy. When that happens, how are their students to believe “the precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart” (Ps. 19:8)?
Here’s How Joy Affects Teaching
Joy affects our …
enthusiasm … how much passion teachers have in teaching.
exertion … how much time and effort they’re willing to put into teaching.
effectiveness … how much impact their teaching has on others.
How You Can Help Bible Teachers Maintain or Rediscover Joy in Teaching
1) Provide reminders of why there’s joy in teaching God’s Word.
Resource: Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching PowerPoint Presentation
2) Support and encourage teachers regularly and in a variety of ways.
Resource: Encouragers for Teachers of God’s Word
3) Pray for them.
Resource: Praying for Bible Teachers Throughout the Year Guide (The June Guide uses the J in June to remind us to pray for joy. Here are some suggestions from it:
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8)
- Pray that Bible teachers find teaching to be a source of joy, not merely fulfilling an obligation.
- Ask God to help teachers maintain their joy so teaching doesn’t become a drudgery.
- Pray that joy in the Lord and His Word exude from teachers’ very being.